Roboworm was paid a visit recently by Ty Ono, from Jackall Lures to tour our facility, and to meet with Greg Stump about their two businesses. During their meeting, the history of Roboworm was discussed. Greg recalled during the 90's that his fledgling company was gaining popularity domestically on the west coast, and how new techniques from Japan were being accepted in the U.S.A.. Likewise, Japanese anglers were similarly interested in new and exciting products being made on the west coast of the U.S.. One of these Japanese anglers was Ty himself. Roboworm was one of his secret tournament weapon's in Japan.

During the late 1990's Roboworm's success continued to grow domestically, but change was on the horizon. Orders began pouring in from Japan. Greg immediately expanded production and developed more of his robotic worm making machines to keep up with demand. One of his styles, the Leech, was being ordered from Japan in truly record numbers. Greg received word that his Leech accounted for a major tournament win in Japan, and his lures became the most sought after product in Japan. It turns out that Ty Ono was the Japanese angler who had this tournament victory in Japan, and credited the Roboworm Leech with the victory.

More than a decade later the two were able to finally meet in person and thank each other for jump starting their careers and business's. On Roboworm's end, Ty's tournament victory with the Roboworm Leech, and subsequent popularity of that lure in Japan, gave Roboworm a solid foundation to become the premiere soft plastic manufacturer in the world. While Roboworm's Leech guided Ty to victory, it also solidified his standing as one of Japan's finest angler's, and led him on his path to President of Jackall lures.